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A-LevelChemistryHydrocarbons9701/42 · May/June 2023 · Q514 Marks

Methylbenzene can undergo different reactions, as shown in Fig. 5.1. [Figure 5.1]

  1. (a)(i)Draw structures in Fig. 5.1 for the possible organic products of the three reactions shown.[3]
  2. (a)(ii)Complete Table 5.1. [Table 5.1][2]
  3. (b)When methylbenzene reacts with an electrophile, a substitution reaction occurs. No addition reaction takes place under these conditions. Explain why no addition reaction takes place.[1]
  4. (c)(i)The reaction of methylbenzene with thionyl bromide, SOBr2, in the presence of an iron(III) bromide catalyst, FeBr3, is shown in Fig. 5.2. [Figure 5.2] The mechanism of this reaction is similar to that of the bromination of benzene. The first step of the mechanism generates the SOBr⁺ electrophile, as shown. SOBr2 + FeBr3 → SOBr⁺ + FeBr4¯ The reaction of methylbenzene with SOBr+ ions is shown in Fig. 5.3. Complete the mechanism in Fig. 5.3. Include all relevant curly arrows and charges. Draw the structure of the organic intermediate. [Figure 5.3][3]
  5. (c)(ii)The reaction shown in Fig. 5.2 produces a small amount of a by-product, P, with the molecular formula C14H14OS. Suggest a structure for by-product P.[1]
  6. (d)(i)Acyl bromides, RCOBr, can be synthesised by the reaction of a carboxylic acid and SOBr2. This is a similar reaction to the synthesis of acyl chlorides using SOCl2. Give an equation for the reaction between ethanoic acid and SOBr2.[1]
  7. (d)(ii)Suggest the relative ease of hydrolysis of acyl bromides, RCOBr, acyl chlorides, RCOCl, and alkyl chlorides, RCl. Explain your answer. easiest to hydrolyse hardest to hydrolyse[3]

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Mark scheme

Marking points from the official mark scheme (May/June 2023). The mark or mark type is shown in brackets.

  1. [1] Structure of methylcyclohexane (for reaction 1)
  2. [1] Structure of (bromomethyl)benzene (for reaction 2)
  3. [1] Structures of 1-bromo-2-methylbenzene (ortho) AND 1-bromo-4-methylbenzene (para) (for reaction 3)
  4. [1] reaction 1: hydrogenation / reduction (type of reaction)
  5. [1] reaction 2: (free) radical substitution (mechanism)
  6. [1] the substitution product is stabilised by delocalization of π-electrons / by π-electrons in the ring OR the addition product is not stabilised by delocalisation (of π-)electrons ALLOW addition product will remove π-electron delocalised system
  7. [1] M1 curly arrow from inside the hexagon to S atom
  8. [1] M2 structure of the intermediate (cyclohexadienyl cation with CH3 and SOBr groups)
  9. [1] M3 curly arrow from C-H bond into the ring AND formation/loss of H+
  10. [1] Structure of bis(methylphenyl)sulfoxide (e.g., 4-methylphenyl-S(=O)-4-methylphenyl, or similar isomer, C14H14OS)
  11. [1] CH3COOH + SOBr2 → CH3COBr + HBr + SO2
  12. [1] acyl bromides easiest > acyl chlorides > alkyl chlorides hardest
  13. [1] Acyl bromides C-Br is much weaker ORA AND due to less orbital overlap / Br having a larger atomic radii
  14. [1] Carbon in C-C1/C-Br/C-X bond is more δ+/electron deficient OR C-C1/C-Br bond is weaker (than C-Cl in alkyl chlorides) AND attached to an oxygen atom / two electronegative atoms / electron withdrawing C=O group ORA
  15. [1] In alkyl chlorides C-Cl bond strengthened AND by positive inductive effect / electron donating effect of alkyl / R group

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About this question

Topic
Hydrocarbons, A-Level Chemistry (syllabus 9701). Structured question, 14 marks.
Source
A-Level Chemistry, May/June 2023 Paper 4 Variant 2, question 5.

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